France investigates EADS ex-boss
May 31, 2008
French judges have placed Noel Forgeard, the former co-head of Airbus owner EADS, under formal investigation over allegations of insider trading.
Mr Forgeard, who denies wrongdoing, was questioned by two judges over his sale of EADS shares in March 2006 before they slumped by 26% that June.
The fall in value came after serious delays to Airbus’s flagship A380 programme were made public.
Investigators want to establish if Mr Forgeard was aware before selling.
“Mr Forgeard has indeed been placed under formal investigation for insider trading by two investigating magistrates after a very long discussion,” said Mr Forgeard’s lawyer, Jean-Alain Michel.
The former EADS chief was questioned for 36 hours, which ended in the early hours of Friday morning.
Mr Forgeard is reported to have told investigating judges that he had not committed any insider trading and, to his knowledge, neither had any other EADS executives.
EADS has yet to comment, although the firm’s current chief executive, Louis Gallois, sent a letter to staff last month in which he spoke of his “confidence in EADS managers in total”.
‘Full transparency’
Last month, France’s stock market regulator said it had uncovered evidence of insider trading and market abuse at EADS and referred the case to Paris prosecutors.
It did not name any individuals in the findings it made public after the 18-month investigation.
EADS said at the time that it would “exercise vigorously” its right to defend itself.
“EADS will support its managers in their defence, it intends to demonstrate that it has applied standards of excellence when communicating to the market and has acted with full transparency,” the consortium said in a statement in April.
Ford to open new plant in Mexico
May 31, 2008
US giant Ford is to invest $3bn (£1.5bn) in a new car plant in Mexico, the biggest investment in the country’s manufacturing sector.
The move is a blow to American car workers who had hoped the factory would be built in the United States.
Ford has lost more than $15bn (£7.5bn) over the past two years and says the new facility is crucial to its future.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon hailed the announcement as a “turning point” for his country.
The new factory, and other changes to Ford’s Mexican operations, are likely to create an estimated 4,500 jobs in Mexico, where car workers earn substantially less than their American counterparts.
Mr Calderon made the announcement with Ford president Alan Mullaly at the presidential compound in Mexico City on Friday.
“We want Mexico to be an automotive country, one that is competitive and with the most advantages so that the worldwide automotive industry will establish itself here,” Mr Calderon said.
Mr Mullaly said: “We are convinced the geographic location as well as Mexico’s highly qualified labour force and economic stability make this decision the right one for our business.”
Environmental concerns
The factory will build Ford’s new Fiesta sub-compact car, which is the company’s attempt to shift towards the fast-growing market for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.
It will be located near Mexico City and the plant is expected to start delivering the Fiesta to the US market in 2010.
The BBC’s Duncan Kennedy in Mexico City says Ford, the second largest car manufacturer in the US, is being hit by the slowdown in consumer spending and soaring oil prices.
Drivers are moving away from Ford’s traditional stable of bigger trucks and Sports Utility Vehicles because of rising fuel prices, plummeting house prices and concerns about the environment, he says.
The decision to invest in Mexico will be a blow to the United Auto Workers union, which reached a cost-cutting agreement with Ford in a bid to make US plants more competitive.
The company had also hoped its programme of slashing cut-price vehicles to car hire companies would help ease its financial woes.
But earlier this month, Ford announced it was abandoning its goal of making its loss-making North American business profitable next year.
Ford’s plans in Mexico also include moving one of its factories from large truck to small car production, and opening a new diesel engine line at another plant.
Burley upbeat despite Czech loss
May 31, 2008
George Burley stressed that he needs his best players back after he suffered his first defeat - to Czech Republic - as Scotland boss with a patchwork side.
“For any nation, you want your best players available and hopefully, come the World Cup qualifiers, we will have them,” he said after the 3-1 defeat.
“But who knows? You can get injuries, so you need a squad and competition and that showed.
“Young players got experience and that can only be good for the future.”
Burley had seven call-offs ahead of his debut draw with Croatia in March and suffered another six ahead of the Prague friendly.
Others, like skipper Barry Ferguson, were absent from the original squad named by Burley earlier this month as he was forced to take into account injury and fatigue from a long, hard club season.
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It was an opportunity for others to impress and David Clarkson will be pleased at scoring a cracking goal
Scotland manager George Burley
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But Burley insisted that the match - against a side preparing for the Euro 2008 finals - was good preparation for September’s opening World Cup qualifier.
“Sometimes in defeat you learn more,” he said.
“We needed to be tested. Our first two World Cup qualifiers are away from home and the temperature in Macedonia will be similar to this.
“In this situation, you are looking to build. We knew we were taking on a game that wouldn’t be easy and we were aware of the Czech Republic’s record.
“It was a case of getting some sort of system, giving players an opportunity and they gave it all they’ve got.
“The Czechs stepped up in the second half and it was disappointing to lose the goals.
“But you are learning about players and it was certainly a worthwhile exercise.”
Motherwell’s David Clarkson marked his debut with a goal.
The striker suffered the loss of his uncle - and Motherwell skipper - Phil O’Donnell before helping his side secure a third place finish in the Scottish Premier League.
“I’m pleased for David,” said Burley. “It’s all about taking your opportunities.
“We were inundated with call-offs, but it was an opportunity for others to impress and David will be pleased at scoring a cracking goal.”
Gerrard wants Barry at Liverpool
May 31, 2008
Steven Gerrard has said he is “desperate” for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to join him at Liverpool.
Barry, who is expected to lead England against Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday, will talk about his future after he returns from international duty.
“I want Gareth Barry to become a Liverpool player. I am desperate for us to sign him,” said Gerrard.
“He’s a good player. I want Liverpool to be as strong as possible and Gareth Barry will certainly make us stronger.”
Gerrard’s comments are likely to rile Villa manager Martin O’Neill who has already criticised Liverpool’s handling of the situation.
O’Neill is determined to keep hold of his captain and earlier this month claimed Liverpool’s £10m cash plus player bid undervalued the midfielder.
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I think Gareth is 27 now and he needs to play Champions League football
Steven Gerrard
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But Gerrard, a good friend of the 27-year-old, believed Barry, who has two years remaining on his contract, needed to play Champions League football.
“Gareth Barry is someone who will improve Liverpool. We can’t be disrespectful to Villa. He is still their player and we will see what happens,” said Gerrard.
“Naturally, they are going to try and keep hold of him, and rightly so because he is one of their star men. He has been a fantastic servant for them over many years.
“I know all about Gareth, I am good friends with him off the pitch and I am desperate for us to sign him.
“You talk about improving the team, the starting XI and the squad, and Gareth will certainly help Liverpool to become a better team.
“It is easy to play with good players. I’ve been asked a lot of questions this season about Fernando Torres and the simple answer is ‘it’s easier playing with quality players’ - and Gareth comes into that category.”
Barry has only ever played for Villa and is due a testimonial, having signed professional forms with the club in February 1998.
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Where will Gareth Barry be playing next season?
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Gerrard added: “I am sure Gareth will find it hard to leave Villa. He has been fantastic for them but, in football, sometimes opportunities come along where you can better your career.
“I think Gareth is 27 now and he needs to play Champions League football. In my opinion, he needs that now.
“I’ve enjoyed playing with him for England. He is quite an easy player to play with. He keeps it simple, he is easy to read and I certainly enjoy playing with him because I’ve got a good relationship on and off the pitch.”
Perry recovers to lead Memorial
May 31, 2008
-7 M Goggin (Aus), K Perry -6 J Kelly -5 L Donald (Eng) -4 M Kuchar, G Ogilvy (Aus), N O’Hern (Aus), S Lowery -3 R Pampling (Aus), J Rose (Eng)
Selected others: -1 M Weir (Can) +3 I Poulter (Eng), P Casey (Eng), P Mickelson +5 S Garcia (Spa) +7 B Davis (Eng), E Els (SA)
Kenny Perry recovered from a nightmare start of three bogeys in his first five holes to share the halfway lead at the Memorial tournament in Dublin, Ohio.
In strong, gusty winds, only three players broke 70 on day two.
First-round leader Mathew Goggin of Australia is now tied for the lead with American Perry on seven under par.
Of the English contenders, Luke Donald is two shots behind the leaders and two ahead of Justin Rose, while Brian Davis missed the cut after firing an 81.
Despite having shot 70 in the first round, Davis finished one shot outside the cut, as did South Africa’s world number three Ernie Els.
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I hit the shot of my life to keep the ship from sinking
Kenny Perry
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After that horrific start, Perry - a two-time Memorial champion - bounced back with an eagle from 35 yards at his sixth hole, the par-five 15th.
“I hit the shot of my life to keep the ship from sinking,” he admitted.
“I knew I could chip the ball down within 15 feet, and it came out perfect and just fell in, like a slow-motion deal.
“It was brutal out there, so I’m mentally tired now. That was a stressful round to try to hang in there and keep it together.”
By contrast, Goggin started well, recording four birdies in his first five holes, but as the winds rose, was happy to leave the Muirfield Village course with a level-par round of 72.
“I didn’t know what was going on, but it just got windier and windier and tougher and tougher,” said Goggin, who has not won in seven seasons on the PGA Tour.
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Have your say on golf on 606
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“Not having the experience on this course, I made a few mental mistakes and left a couple of shots in bad positions or misjudged the wind.”
Donald finished with a steady 71 which contained just two birdies and one bogey to leave him in fourth place, one behind Jerry Kelly.
Rose had a more chequered day, firing four birdies and five bogeys in his 73.
Further back, English duo Ian Poulter and Paul Casey were among the few players to improve on their first-round scores, as rounds of 72 and 71 respectively left them both three under par, 10 shots behind the leaders - as is world number two Phil Mickelson.
The sixth and last Englishman, Graeme Storm, was never in danger of making the cut after two early double bogeys as he followed his first-round 79 with an 81.
Ponting passes Test run milestone
May 31, 2008
Australia captain Ricky Ponting became the seventh batsman to make 10,000 Test runs as his side dominated the first day of the second Test in Antigua.
Ponting needed 61 to become the third Australian to reach the milestone after Allan Border and Steve Waugh.
He reached the target after tea with a drive off Ramnaresh Sarwan but was dismissed soon afterwards for 65.
Simon Katich scored an unbeaten 113 for Australia in front of a small crowd at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Katich, who was promoted to open the batting in the absence of the injured Matthew Hayden, was given a reprieve when he was dropped by Runako Morton on 90.
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606: DEBATE
Punter is not the most elegant to watch a la Sachin or Lara, but you can’t argue with numbers
CircleC
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He reached a third Test century when he drove his 197th delivery from Dwayne Bravo through mid-on for an eighth boundary.
But he had to share centre stage with Ponting after the tourists lost Phil Jaques for 17, when he was trapped lbw by Bravo with the score on 36.
Katich and Ponting rarely looked troubled, adding 136 for the second wicket before the captain’s dismissal.
At the close, Ponting said: “It all started in 1995 and it’s taken 13 years. I think everyone growing up wishes they can do it.
“I am most proud of my longevity in the game. I’ve never been one for stats and milestones, I just try to do the best for my team.
“I’m the third fastest person in the history of the game to get 10,000 and that will be a nice thing to look back on at the end of my career.”
Michael Hussey came in for Ponting but was caught at midwicket for 10, before Michael Clarke arrived at the crease and he was not out on 38 at the close to leave the Australians poised to make a big score on day two.
Boston edge Pistons to make final
May 31, 2008
Boston Celtics will face the LA Lakers in the NBA finals after beating Detroit Pistons 89-81 to clinch the Eastern Conference final series.
The Celtics, who had not made the finals since 1987, had trailed 68-60 going into the final quarter.
But they outscored Detroit 29-13 in the final period to win the series 4-2.
Paul Pierce was Boston’s hero with 27 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, although Detroit’s Chauncey Billups led all scorers with 29 points.
Pierce was supported by Kendrick Perkins, who had seven points and seven rebounds, while also making a crucial shot block in the last minute when the Pistons threatened a late rally.
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As a kid I hated the Celtics
Boston Celtics hero Paul Pierce - a boyhood LA Lakers fan
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A childhood Lakers fan, Pierce admitted his mind was racing as time slowly ran out for their opponents.
“We were up five or six points and that buzzer couldn’t come any sooner,” he said.
“All the hard years I put in in Boston and to finally get to this point in my career. There is nothing better than this.
“The crazy thing is I grew up watching the Boston against Los Angeles Lakers playoff series. As a kid I hated the Celtics. That’s what got me into basketball and now I am going to be part of basketball history.
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It sealed an Eastern Conference finals defeat for Detroit for the third consecutive year, after previously losing to Miami and Cleveland.
“We ran out of juice or whatever,” coach Flip Saunders admitted.
“We got to a point where we couldn’t make the big shots we had been making earlier.”
The NBA finals, which will see the Celtics renew their rivalry with Kobe Bryant’s LA Lakers, begin on Thursday - with the first game in Boston.
North Korea ‘tests sea missiles’
May 31, 2008
North Korea has fired three short-range ship-to-ship missiles off its west coast as part of a military training exercise, reports from South Korea say.
A government source was quoted as saying missiles with a range of nearly 50km (30 miles) were fired into the sea west of the North’s capital, Pyongyang.
The North conducted a similar launch in March in what was seen as a snub to the US and the South’s new government.
The Koreas dispute the delineation of their sea border in the West Sea.
The area is a rich fishing ground.
There was no immediate confirmation of the missile launches from the North.
Delay to polygamist sect reunions
May 31, 2008
Parents’ hopes of quick reunions with some 400 children removed from a polygamist sect’s Texan ranch have been hit by a legal row over restrictions.
The state’s supreme court ruled earlier that agents had had no authority to seize the children in a raid in April.
Families hoped to reunite on Monday but a judge has ruled 38 of the mothers, scattered across Texas, must personally sign up to a set of conditions.
State officials accused sect members of abusing children on the ranch.
But correspondents say that following the supreme court’s ruling, the biggest child custody case in US history has effectively collapsed.
‘Not simple’
The children, aged between six months and 17 years, have spent nearly two months away from their families.
Heavily armed police were on hand during the raid in April
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Texas District Judge Barbara Walther said she would sign the agreement authorising the children’s return, but only after the 38 mothers who filed the complaint against the state had signed up to the restrictions.
Under the rules - agreed by the families’ lawyers and state child-welfare officials - children will be allowed back home to the ranch near Eldorado but they must not be taken out of Texas and their parents must agree to take parenting classes.
Lawyers for the parents said the new requirement made timing for the reunions uncertain.
“It’s not as simple as going across the street and setting up a booth,” said lawyer Andrea Sloan.
Removal ‘not warranted’
Texas child welfare authorities failed to prove the children were victims of an abusive system that forced young girls into polygamous marriages and underage childbirth, and groomed young boys to be future abusers.
Members of the breakaway Mormon sect that runs the ranch claimed they were being persecuted for their religious beliefs which include polygamy.
On Thursday, the Texas supreme court ruled that state officials had failed to prove the children faced immediate danger and that therefore seizing them was unwarranted.
A court order restoring custody to parents applies to only 124 of the children but state officials said about 300 others taken under identical circumstances also will be returned, the Associated Press news agency reported.
Identity confusion
So far, 168 mothers and 69 fathers of the children have been identified - reflecting the polygamist practices of the sect, AP adds.
More than 100 children have still not been matched with mothers.
Some of the parents have said they do not know where their children have been placed, while others have complained that their sons and daughters are living at different locations, forcing them to criss-cross Texas to see them.
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints teaches that polygamy brings glorification in heaven.
The official Mormon Church officially abandoned polygamy more than a century ago.
US Democrats to hold crunch talks
May 31, 2008
The US Democratic Party is meeting to decide the fate of two states left out of the dramatic race to find its candidate for president.
Both Florida and Michigan were stripped of representation for holding their candidate contests in January, in violation of party rules.
Hillary Clinton hopes the party will reverse its decision in the two states, where she has enjoyed strong support.
She is lagging behind Barack Obama in the closing days of the race.
Whatever the outcome of the committee’s meeting, Barack Obama is still almost certain to cross the finishing-line in first place, says the BBC’s James Coomarasamy.
Compromise likely
The party’s previously obscure Rules and Bylaws Committee could mark Mrs Clinton’s last stand, our correspondent says.
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Q&A: Michigan and Florida votes
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She hopes the 30-member committee will overturn its previous decision and allow delegates from Florida and Michigan to vote at the national convention in August.
Her supporters are promising to be out in force at the meeting, offering encouragement.
Officially, she won both states in January but neither she nor Mr Obama campaigned in either - and in Michigan, Mr Obama’s name was not even on the ballot.
She is hoping to close the delegate gap with Mr Obama, allowing her to claim victory in the popular vote and persuade undecided “super-delegates” that she should be the party’s nominee.
Mr Obama currently has a delegate lead of 202 over Mrs Clinton, with 1,984 delegates to her 1,782, according to Associated Press news agency projections.
Should the committee award her every Florida and Michigan delegate she officially won in January’s discounted elections, her net delegate boost would be just 43.
Nonetheless, such a decision would boost Mrs Clinton’s chances of ending the primary election season with a plausible claim to have won a majority of the popular vote.
The rules committee seems more likely to opt for a compromise - perhaps seating half the delegates - that would do little to change the dynamics of the race, our correspondent says.